WAYS #14

Way # 14 Grow Faith

GROW FAITH. Take advantage of every chance you have to form your faith—through small groups, classes, and personal study. Be a disciple and look to learn from those who know more of the Bible and Christian life than you do, then look for opportunities to share what you’ve gained with someone else.a,b

a Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. (Mark 8:34)

b You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. (2 Timothy 2:2)

Daily Devotionals

Monday:

Luke 2:52

We normally think of Jesus as the all knowing man of God, but think of him as a middle schooler. Even Jesus grew in wisdom, so why pretend like we have all the answers. When we Grow Faith, we humble ourselves before the daunting task of perfectly trusting God. There is always farther to go and more to discover. PRAY: the Spirit would show you places your faith can grow.

Tuesday:

Mark 8:34

Saying Yes to faith will involve saying No to something else. We each have desires which run counter to God’s will. Some of those desires are wicked, others are simply do not coincide with His plans. Choosing to Grow Faith begins by taking our personal desires and plans and submitting them to Jesus. PRAY: through some of your desires and plans, and ask if they are what God has for you.

Wednesday:

1 Corinthians 3:7

Don’t get ahead of yourself. It is God alone who Grows Faith. Sometimes you are called to care for someone and to help them with their faith. Sometimes you are called to share the gospel. No matter how you work to Grow Faith, remember that it is God alone who provides the growth. PRAY: God would put you in positions to either sow or tend faith in others.

Thursday:

James 1:2-4

It is often in adversity and trial when we depend on God the most. In these times, faith grows. Sometimes Grow Faith looks like attending a class or small group; sometimes it looks like attending to difficult family dynamics which have existed for years; and still other times it looks like working through where God is when things go wrong. Take every opportunity to Grow Faith, even those which may hurt. PRAY: for an area in your life which tests your faith. Let God know your struggles and your hurts.

Friday:

Eph 4:14-15

This is the goal we Grow Faith towards: Maturity. This is not a person who does not laugh at immature jokes, but someone who is steady in who they are and whom they are called to be. New faith is impressionable and easily dissuaded; but as faith grows, it becomes like a mature tree: firmly rooted and can stand up against the elements. PRAY: the Spirit would grow a mature faith within you and firmly root you in God’s Word.

Saturday:

Phil. 3:13-14

We Grow Faith because we recognize that none of us have achieved the goal. We do not know enough, trust enough, pray enough, depend enough, live boldly enough, serve enough, connect enough, or experience God enough. And we never will. The goal may be far ahead, but press on because there is more and more richness of God ahead. PRAY: the Spirit would call you deeper into relationship. Confess what holds you back.